New foundation created to prevent heroin abuse to hold first fundraiser July 18 in Ringwood

A Change for Nick supporters painted another mural memorializing local victims of drug abuse on the rock wall at West Brook Road on Saturday, July 13.

A new foundation seeking to stem the tide of heroin abuse in the area will hold its first fundraiser on Thursday, July 18 at Prime 15 Restaurant, which is located at 15 Greenwood Lake Turnpike in Ringwood.

The "Dine to Donate" event supporting A Change for Nick will run from noon until 10 p.m. Prime 15 owners Joe and Toni Meli have pledged to donate 10 percent of every check, regardless of whether patrons purchase lunch, dinner, take-out, or liquor. To participate, patrons should mention A Change for Nick while being seated or placing their orders.

Up to a certain amount, Meli said, the restaurant will match the donations.

"We like to give a little more when we can when we know it’s a good charity," she said.

A Change for Nick was created by friends and family of 23-year-old Wanaque resident Nick Fagan, who lost his battle with heroin on May 10 after succumbing to an overdose. The foundation has established its mission "to help local addicts and their families to destroy the face of heroin."

As previously reported in Suburban Trends, A Change for Nick is exploring a number of short- and long-term goals for the foundation. The education of local students regarding the dangers of heroin is one of its primary objectives.

Members are reaching out to corporations and larger foundations in an effort to secure donations or grants. In the future, the foundation hopes to open a facility that will serve as a resource for those already involved with dangerous opiates and those with loved ones who are struggling with them. The vision is to create a support center to help recovering addicts find counseling and jobs.

Somewhere down the line, A Change for Nick might even be able to fund visits to rehab for those lacking insurance coverage or the funds to pay for it themselves.

Also for sale during the July 18 event will be bracelets and T-shirts sporting the words "A Change for Nick." All proceeds will go to the foundation.

Local resident and businessman Danny Vineis will perform with his DTM Band from 8 to 10 p.m.

A Change for Nick is being established as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, visit the foundation’s Facebook page under the name A Change for Nick. To make a donation, send a check to A Change for Nick, P.O. Box 508, Towaco, NJ 07082.